Originally Posted by gooduser

you're all very helpful. good stuff here.

so, i'm a little worried about going AS simply because i'm not deeply rooted in the pacific northwest. i like the area a good deal, but i do have plans to move around/move back to the east and new york before settling down for good, be it here again or somewhere else on the west coast/rockies.

so what's the benefit of going AS outside of the access to PDX/SEA and a good program if i have the possibility of moving out of the area? is there one?

then, if i went with a larger carrier, should i look to AA, UA, or DL? DL seems to have a bad wrap but nice partners, AA merger seems promising in terms of size, partnerships, etc., and UA seems already massive, "stable" and in lots of locations.

things i'm partial to:
• free checked bags
• easy check-in and boarding
• quick access to free flights
• good, inexpensive credit card program
• something resembling good customer service, some moderate level of flexibility, the feeling of not being screwed at every turn